The birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne (at 54 Turner Street in Salem) now rests next to theTurner-Ingersoll Mansion, one of the oldest 17th century wood mansions still standing and the very house that inspired Hawthorne’s novel, The House of the Seven Gables. Together these homes make a thrilling memorial to the famous author, providing a glimpse into both fact (with some of his own furnishings and items) and fiction. (The Turner-Ingersoll Mansion includes a penny shop like the one opened in Hawthorne’s famous novel). The tours here are guided, so you’re sure to gain a deeper understanding of Hawthorne himself, his work, and the world in which he lived that inspired his well-known literary works.

This is where you can experience the Hannibal of Mark Twain’s childhood, rich with the details that inspired his beloved stories. Your self-guided tour takes you through eight properties, including Samuel Clemens’ boyhood home and two museums filled with artifacts and thrilling pieces from history. Some of these include Mark Twain’s Oxford gown and fifteen original Norman Rockwell paintings.

Though made famous by the writings of Samuel Clemens (known world-wide as Mark Twain), the Mark Twain cave was discovered by a hunter named Jack Sims when his dog chased an animal into an opening in the cave. The rest is truly history as the cave became frequented by Clemens and featured in at least one of his novels. It is the oldest show cave in Missouri and has been featuring tours for over a century. On your tour, you’ll discover all sorts of its uses throughout history, including its role as a hiding place for Jesse James and in the famous Underground Railroad.

The aircraft and explanatory signs and benches throughout the National Vigilance Park tell the previously unwritten stories of those who put themselves in the line of fire to collect important data about those who would cause us harm. The park seeks to revere a profession that has often made Americans squirm.

The DEA Museum is located in Arlington, VA, near the Pentagon City Mall. It welcomes those 10 years of age and over to come to the location. Their mission is to educate visitors on the history of the Drug Enforcement Administration and on the impact of drug addiction from the past to the present day. Some featured exhibits include: Illegal Drugs in America, Good Medicine, Bad Behavior, as well as virtual exhibits. Illegal Drugs in America exhibit depicts the story of the history of drugs in the United States. The U.S. Drug Enforcement administration was founded in 1973. The agency was created to enforce federal drug laws. Today the biggest challenge for the DEA is to control the dramatic change with regard to organized crime. Good Medicine, Bad Behavior, emphasizes drug diversion in the United States. Specifically, the exhibit explores the issue of prescription substance abuse and how it is gripping America today. It is interactive and Features include the following: recreations of period pharmacies, depictions of significant cases, and displays illustrating the impact of these substances on the human body. There is also a resources section available for visitors to gain more information on this important subject. You may take literature home from this part of the exhibit. Rogue internet pharmacies are also highlighted in the display. The group will come out of the DEA Museum with a further understanding of drug abuse in our country both in the past and the current issues that are taking place today.

You can almost step back in time at Ford’s Theatre as you view the special box seat just as it was prepared for President Lincoln the night he was assassinated. He was then carried to Peterson House. You can view exhibits and displays surrounding this history and walk the path Lincoln was carried when you visit these prominent landmarks.

The Newseum is located in Washington, DC. It is known to be one of the top museums to visit while you are in the area. This location contains 14 galleries and 15 4D Theaters. The exhibits feature both historical and current events. Exhibits include but are not limited to the following: : The New York Times—Ochs-Sulzberger Family Great Hall of News, News Corporation News History Gallery, NBC News Interactive News room, the 9/11 Gallery, the Bloomberg Internet, TV and Radio Gallery, and the Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery. The Bloomberg Gallery features two 25-foot high media walls depicting the evolution of news in the media. The radio was the first form of news that was broadcast. Next was the Television which added images to the stories. The final step in news broadcasting was the internet. These are part of the exhibit and the gallery also has a display devoted to pioneer broadcaster Edward R. Murrow. The 9/11 Gallery explores the horrendous events that occurred on September 11, 2001. It also features front pages from around the globe as well as first-person accounts about the attacks. William Bigart was a photojournalist who lost his life while covering the events and he is featured in the Gallery as well. There are also photos that were taken by Bigart during his final moments on display.

If you are interested in Fashion, you’ve come to the right place! Visited by more than one and a half million people, this area is by far the most vivacious neighborhood in downtown LA. The LA Fashion District is a sprawling 90 blocks of West Coast apparel. Adults, retailers, designers, wholesale buyers, and residents all come to browse and shop. It doesn’t matter if you’re a shopper on the prowl for a bargain or a buyer checking out the latest collections in the designer showrooms…..it’s all here! This area not only displays the hippest fashions in apparel and accessories, but also textiles, flowers, and even live work.

Taking up an entire city block in Manhattan, Bloomingdale’s has been a major fashion hub since the 1920s.

If your group wants to do a little shopping, look no further than the huge iconic shopping bag; a real shopper’s paradise. Macy’s Herald Square in New York City will attract and delight any group tour!  With ten and a half levels of shopping and restaurants, your group is sure to find what they are looking for.

“America’s Largest Department Store” covers an entire city block. Fill your brain with fun facts and innovative design as your tour travels through the store with one of their knowledgeable staff members, possibly even taking a ride on one of the working wooden escalators! Macy’s even offers programs for groups ranging from cooking seminars to beauty and fashion.

Whether your group visits Macy’s just to shop, or to participate in one of their many group programs, you are sure to remember your time spent here with your tour group!

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